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2017 Total Solar Eclipse

The 2017 Solar Eclipse Across America will be visible on August 21, 2017 across the continental United States. The center-line of the solar eclipse will pass over Grand Teton National Park placing it in the path of totality. Visitors will experience the moon’s shadow rushing toward them with the Teton Range backdrop. The mid-day darkness is stunning and the sun's corona is awe-inspiring—observed only during the brief totality.

Where can I see the eclipse in the Grand Teton?

August 21 is anticipated to be the busiest day in the history of the park. On eclipse day, the park will alter traffic flow and parking to accommodate eclipse viewers and maintain safe access. Visitors are invited to view the eclipse along the center path of totality along the Gros Ventre Road, or at designated Official Eclipse Viewing Areas where rangers and astronomers will provide telescopes and interpretive programs. During the eclipse event please help us ensure a successful day by respecting park resources, following all temporary routes, and packing out all litter.

Know Before You Go!

Expect heavy congestion, traffic gridlock and long delays. Consider staying in place after the eclipse until traffic thins.

Be prepared with water, food, and vehicle fuel for the day. Have eclipse viewing glasses, and be sure to allow extra time to get to your destination. Bring a minimum of 2 quarts of water per person.

Vehicles blocking traffic flow or access for emergency vehicles will be towed and ticketed.

NO ROADSIDE PARKING along US Highway 26/89/191, Moose-Wilson Road and Teton Park Road.

Designated viewing areas are available at five locations.

Overnight parking or camping in roadside pullouts, turnouts, or parking lots is not allowed. Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds.

Eclipse parking begins at 6 am on Monday, August 21, parkwide and not prior. Plan to find your spot at least an hour before the eclipse begins.

Charcoal burning fires are only allowed in official campgrounds and picnic areas.

Stoves and grills that burn contained fuel sources that can be turned on and off are allowed. Stoves and grills must be attended to at all times and be setup on hardened surfaces devoid of vegetation at least three feet in diameter.

Portable toilets will be located throughout the park, including the Gros Ventre Road Viewing Area.

What is an eclipse?

A solar eclipse is a celestial event when the moon passes between the sun and Earth blocking all or part of the sun. At a given location, the event can last up to an hour and a half. For this eclipse the longest period when the moon completely blocks the sun will be about two minutes and 40 seconds. The last total eclipse for the contiguous U.S. was in 1979, the next one will be in 2024.

At 10:17 am on Monday, August 21st, 2017 the solar eclipse will begin over Jackson Hole. At 11:35 am the moon will pass directly in front of the sun blocking out most of the sun’s light. For the next 2 minutes—the exact duration depends on your location—the Sun’s corona will be visible around the disk of the moon.

A group including Thomas Edison visited Rawlins, WY for the 1878 solar eclipse.

Carbon County Historical Museum

History

For thousands of years people learned about the sun through careful observation. Understanding the sun and seasons was critical to survival. As early as 4,000 years ago, ancient astronomers tried to predict solar eclipses in China and Greece.

More recently, scientists planned experiments during eclipses to test theories and equipment. With the sun blocked, other atmospheric features become visible. Scientists proved Einstein’s theory of relativity, and they searched for a theoretical planet Vulcan but it was proven not to exist.

In 1878, Thomas Edison and other scientists traveled to Wyoming to observe an eclipse. Edison tested his very sensitive thermometer, but it failed.